The Doss Letters - Part 2

The second letter reveals an almost overwhelming anxiety about the trip. If you have not seen the first letter, it is here. Again, I have transcribed it exactly as it was written.

Saturday May 18th, 1878 (Johnson County, Texas)

Ma, [This is continued in John's letter]

I send you, in a registered letter and addressed to John, $60. This is amply sufficient to bring you to Dallas. The fare from Bowling Green to Dallas, Will says, is $21.40 cts. - for a whole ticket. According to that, from the Junction will cost $22.35 cts. Couldn't Mentz send to Bowling Green, or Glasgow, and get your tickets before you start? If you start without a full ticket, when you get to Bowling Green inquire for the "Ticket Ofice." Anybody can tell you where it is. By looking in at the door, you can see whether you are right or not and where to apply. You will only have about 15 or 20 minutes to get your tickets in, so you mustn't exercise too much dignity, but get your tickets and get your seats in the cars. In all cases if you can, get seats near the middle of the coach. I am almost certain that the train that brings you to Bowling Green goes in to Nashville, and another train takes its place on the track. This is always the case when you change cars, I think. Of course, you can inquire "Where is the Memphis train?" or "Which is the Memphis train?" and so of other places (and trains.) Any of the employees of the railroad - those handling the baggage, the Baggage Master, the one who gives you your ticket (if not busy). The Police are also very suitable ones to inquire of. (You will know them by their dress in large places, especially blue-broadcloth).
You will get to Memphis in the morning and have to lie over there till night. During the day you must hunt the Baggage Master up (he is seldom far off) and get your baggage checked to Dallas. He'll take your checks and give you ones having "Dallas" instead of "Memphis" stamped upon them. Every chair has also a number stamped upon it, and the checks [small, square brass plates] you hold correspond in every respect to those fastened to your baggage. If you lose your checks, anybody finding them could come to the point called for, present checks and take the goods. You can't get your goods without the checks. If you lose your tickets you are out without paying again! Put them in some convenient as well as safe place for every time Conductors are changed, you will have to show your tickets.
There will be two or three Conductors between B.Green. and Memphis, as many between that place and Little Rock, about as many between Little Rock and Texarkana, and so between the latter place and Dallas. Have your tickets ready and put them away carefully when he hands them back.
Don't be separated, especially at any place you get off to change cars. (You only change cars at B. Grn., at Memphis, at Little Rock, and Texarkana, I think). Hold Alice by the hand; keep Sophia also right at your side all the time you are - anywhere. Keep your little budgets (baskets of provisions &c) also with you unless you should accidentally meet up with some (family or lady) coming like yourselves to Dallas. In such a case you might ask them, if they pleased, to watch your things while you get __ or ___. (continued)
I and Molly start next Monday in a two-horse wagon for Dallas and Pickets, aiming to come back to Dallas to meet you. You can start the 1st Monday in June (the 1st day of June) and we will stay in Dallas Wednesday night following. If on Wednesday evening you have not received the money, or if any of you are sick, or if there is any “let up,” telegraph to Dallas. If in telegram office Wednesday evening for me, I shall expect you at night. I shall stay in Dallas till you do come. Don’t telegram unless there is something serious. Telegraphing will be more costly than staying in the wagon yard waiting. So if you can’t get off Monday the 1st (day) of June, start on Tuesday; and if you can’t start on Tuesday, start on Wednesday & so on. I’ll stay till you do come. I shall not expect a telegram unless there is something serious.
Tell Pap’s little petted girl she shall have a hat if he has to do without cake and meat. We’ll get her one in Dallas. We’ll have to get a couple of bead-steads, some chairs a table etc.; but she must have a hat. Tell Sophie to bring …ina’s geography, it is at Self’s.
I am rather low spirited. Take care of Sophia and Alice. Don’t let them leave your side. Don’t get off or on the train while it is in motion. Keep a sharp look out and come ahead.

Pap